Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Montresor “Capitel della Crosara” – Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017
DOCG – Veneto – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A classic Amarone blend primarily composed of Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone, crafted in the traditional appassimento style. The 2017 vintage shows a more elegant and delicate side of Amarone, balancing richness with finesse and remarkable smoothness.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, dried plum, and macerated berries layered with hints of cocoa, sweet spice, dried herbs, and subtle earthy undertones. Beautifully integrated and harmonious.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet surprisingly graceful. Velvety texture with superb mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a long, smooth finish. This vintage leans toward a more refined and balanced Amarone expression rather than sheer power.

Food Pairings
Excellent with braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, lamb dishes, or simply enjoyed slowly on its own.

Verdict
A lovely and impressively balanced Amarone that captures the quintessential Valpolicella identity while maintaining elegance and drinkability. Rich, smooth, and dangerously easy to continue pouring.

🍷 Did You Know?
Amarone is made using the appassimento method, where grapes are partially dried before fermentation, concentrating sugars, flavors, and texture while maintaining remarkable complexity. Cheers! — 9 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Aromas of ripe dark fruits, cooking spice and smoky notes. On the palate of this bug wine, flavors of blackberry and plum, raisin like tones with cacao, oak and cinnamon spice. Rich tannins, soft, lingering well balanced ending with smoky spice. Very Nice. Tasting Sample. — 6 years ago

Nancy Barber

9.0

Decadent cherries with some toasty complexity after the initial taste. Yum! — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Montresor – Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC – 2023 - Veneto – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A traditional Valpolicella blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone, crafted using the ripasso method, where the wine is re-passed over Amarone grape skins to gain added depth, richness, and structure. This process elevates the wine beyond standard Valpolicella, giving it that “baby Amarone” character.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, plum, and dark berry notes lead the profile, layered with hints of dried fruit, baking spice, and a touch of cocoa. Subtle herbal undertones add balance and regional character.

Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-plus body with smooth, rounded tannins and a gentle richness. More depth than standard Valpolicella, yet still approachable and easy-drinking with a soft, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with meat sauces, grilled meats, or aged cheeses. Also shines as a casual standalone red for relaxed evenings.

Verdict
A classic “baby Amarone” that truly delivers at its price point, approachable, flavorful, and dangerously easy to drink. A crowd-pleaser that overperforms and invites that second (and third) glass.

Did You Know?
The ripasso technique literally means “repassed,” and it boosts alcohol, body, and complexity by fermenting the wine again with Amarone pomace, giving it that signature richness without full Amarone weight.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of those “open for the table… ends up disappearing fast” bottles. Crowd approved, no debate. Cheers! — 18 days ago

Terry Pfortmiller

8.9

A little fruit forward but nice Amarone Classic finish. Enjoying it. — 7 years ago

Kate

9.4

Wow! I prefer Barolo but prefer not to spend. Smooth cherry. Short finish. Drinkable — 8 years ago

Charles Treister

9.2

Nice balance between fruit and soft tannins. Perfect with pastas. — 23 days ago

Rebekah List

10

Topolinos terrace — 4 months ago

Joe Christenson

9.2

Beautiful balance of bright sour cherry and the deeper golden raisin flavors. Great tannin structure and some tan soil terroir notes give the fruit depth. The nose is a lively preview. Definitely shines at cellar temps — don’t let this one get to room temp or the alcohol gets too hot (at 15.5% that’s bound to happen). Drinking great 7 years in. — 7 years ago

with Alicia

Michael Mallon

9.0

Red fruit, black plum, forest floor, orange rind, cocoa, cinnamon and a touch of smoke to balance things out. Lovely. — 8 years ago